Reviews

Emile and the Field by Kevin Young

nairam1173's review

emotional reflective relaxing slow-paced

3.0

Text cadence sometimes feels a bit off, but the art and concept are lovely, and it gets across some very specific emotions.

bickie's review

4.0

Gorgeous artwork by Chioma Ebinama! The poetry was sometimes a tad clunky for a read-aloud with younger children. Build in time to discuss what the author means sometimes.

redang's review

3.0

Very soft and pretty illustrations in this book. They were made with watercolors - the texture from the paper shows through on the pages. The story is about a boy who loves a field with all of its colors and textures as well as the bugs that inhabit it. He wondered if the field was sad for what it wasn't able to experience (skyscrapers, etc) and wondered if it wanted to see other things. Emile was frustrated that he had to share the field with others, especially in the winter when it was covered in snow and perfect for sledding, but father explained that the more that love the field will help preserve it for others to enjoy later.

libraryrobin's review

2.0

As much as I liked the watercolor illustrations, the meter and rhyme of the text was unsettling.

swtmarie's review

3.0

The watercolor illustrations were gorgeous and made this story a beautiful read. This story is a celebration and love of nature from a young boy's perspective. It inspires the reader to pursue a relationship with nature and be appreciative of all it can offer.

barbarianlibarian's review

3.0

beautiful illustrations but found myself lost with the plot/text

beths0103's review

5.0

Are there books you have read that instantly bring your blood pressure down? That immediately give you a sense of peace and serenity? That's what Emile and the Field does for me. To the point where I'm going to add it to my mental health toolbox to help when my anxiety is through the roof.

Kevin Young's spare, poetic text along with Chioma Ebinama's serene watercolors that also evoke the playfulness of Ezra Jack Keats' young Peter in The Snowy Day make this book an instant classic. I'm rooting for this one to get a Caldecott nod.

pib003's review

4.0

Social-emotional, some phonological awareness - weather, seasons; preschool

ale_ja's review

Fav artist in the world & the words were lovely, too. Need to go find a field where I can experience childlike wonder like Emile asap <3

alexao's review

hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5